When: November (as soon as snow permits) to April (as long as snow lasts).

Length of stay: to be arranged; several day trips are available, as described below

Fee charged: $125 (Canadian funds)/day; , which covers cabin accommodation, all meals and use of the 'Escape's cross-country ski equipment. Laura's outings are offered for free if you are interested.

Program Outline:

This experience combines learning basic cross-country skiing, and animal- and bird-track/scat identification.  Some of the specific topics covered include:

• Using field guides and marks
• Names and classifications
• Learn basic winter enjoyment techniques
• Keeping records, notes and life lists

Tracks and scat typically identified on the Munn Creek trail include wolf, coyote, cougar, lynx, deer, elk, moose, marten, fox, porcupine and wolverine. Bird sightings in the winter include the ever-present Chickadee, Canada Jay, Pine and Evening Grosbreaks, Ravens and Crows, Northern Shrike, Ruff and Spruce Grouse and the occasional Red-tailed Hawk or Northern Harrier. Our area typically maintains a 3-ft powdery snow base during the winter, with typical temperatures ranging from -20 to -10 C during the day and -30 to -20 C at night. Most nights are crystal clear with stars seemingly close enough to touch. A display of Northern Lights can be a spectacular bonus.

Background Notes:

The cabins are located in a secluded valley along the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, adjacent to Jasper National Park (east backcountry boundary) and vast, undeveloped Willmore Wilderness. The cabins sit at an elevation of 5000 ft, with the peak of the rock ridge (part of the Hoff range) immediately to our east at 6900 ft. The Willmore mountains to the north and Moosehorn mountains to the south are well over 7000 ft.

Skiing routes are numerous.  Some idea of trails can be acquired by reading about the Rock Lake, Munn Creek North and Mountain Shadow Trails in Laura's "Wilderness Hiking" proposal.

Visit Practicalities:

Visitors should bring:

• Day pack - can be provided by the 'Escape
• Binoculars and/or camera
• Toque (wool skull cap)
• Neck/face scarf
• Warm, insulated snow boots
• Layered clothing - long underwear, cotton-blend socks, wool socks, fleece-type britches and shirt, warm outer jacket, waterproof outer britches.

Visitors can drive to the cabins using a detailed map sent via FAX or snail mail upon booking, or by using the 'Escape's transportation during periods of poor road conditions. Basic cross-country skiing instruction takes place on a gently sloping, groomed and track-set clearing at the 'Escape cabins. After obtaining a basic level of competency, we'll ski a 2-mile one-way or 5-mile loop (depending upon level of competency and/or physical ability). Prior to departure, we'll discuss clothing and gear needed to enjoy the winter environment. We'll ski through subalpine boreal forest, meandering along the Munn Creek valley, on a track-set trail (so one can gawk around without running into a tree!).

Caution Flags: While we typically have perfect cross-country skiing conditions (-10 to -20 C; fluffy, dry snow), the weather in the mountains can be fickle and change rapidly. Visitors should be prepared for an arctic front, blowing in from the north with blinding snow and temperatures dropping to -40 C. Alternatively, a Chinook (Indian word for "warm wind") can manifest, bringing near melting temperatures and causing the snow to crust on top. Both extremes are rare in our area, but Laura follows the wilderness credo: BE PREPARED!

APPENDIXES:

Appendix 1: About the cabins, referred to as the 'Escape

Appendix 2: List of birds previously seen in this area

Appendix 3: List of trees & shrubs/ berries seen in this area

Appendix 4: List of wildlife seen in this area